Is using teamspeak 'cheating'?

[krihelion 175]

Almost everyone in a squad uses skype

Teamspeak is just for people who's skype still has the CPU bug so they call it shit and storm off.

[aussiestig 681]

Almost everyone in a squad uses skype

Teamspeak is just for people who's skype still has the CPU bug so they call it shit and storm off.

Are you kidding me? Skype is useless if you're talking with more than 3 people. Not only is skype hosted off someone's computer and internet, instead of a dedicated server, the voice quality is crap. There is also no push to talk, no cool addons like ACRE, and worst of all, you're effectively all in the same channel. In TS, you can have hundreds of channels going all with different people in different places, and it only takes a double click to switch to their channel. Skype is the kind of program I'd use to talk to my grandma once a month, anything else is for TS3.

[Kra 151]

This is why some people hate TS3. It completely ruined having random encounters like this (granted they arranged a meeting spot in the first place, its later on that I'm talking about).

This is the vid that convinced me into DayZ in the first place. I dare say it was inspiration for alot of the early players.

Pay close attention;

That is the first vod in a series, I highly recommend watching them all.

You just don't get gameplay like that anymore. Bring back the old dayz...

Edited April 7, 2013 by Kra

[Rage VG 4033]

Are you kidding me? Skype is useless if you're talking with more than 3 people. Not only is skype hosted off someone's computer and internet, instead of a dedicated server, the voice quality is crap.

voice quality is fine for me, in chats of 5+ people.

There is also no push to talk,

Yes there is.

and worst of all, you're effectively all in the same channel.

And why would a squad be talking in more than one channel?

Edited April 7, 2013 by Rage VG

[aussiestig 681]

voice quality is fine for me, in chats of 5+ people.

It may be 'fine', but it still isn't as good as Teamspeak 3. Even more so when the voice codec is at 10 on TS3

Yes there is.

Where is it? There is a 'push to mute' which is utterly useless, but I've never been able to find a 'push to talk'.

And why would a squad be talking in more than one channel?

If you've ever played with more than about 8 players in one chat, it starts to get hectic, and everyone is trying to get a word in. Some people split groups up if they are in different areas. Some people, like my group, or Balota Buddies say, have a heap of small groups of people talking to each other because they are playing different games, or they are different groups. It allows everyone to be in touch without everyone having to start up a skype call every time they want a quick word with another.

Teamspeak is for teams, not a group of 2 or 3 players, which is obviously what you're referring to.

[BTT` 15]

Oh the "realism" argument. If you played this game and died and put the game down never to play again, then by all means continue to use the "reamlism" argument. If you died, clicked the RESPAWN button and played more then please please please stop using the "realism" arument because you are making an ass out of yourself. Also let me know if you have seen any zombies in the real world you are comparing a video game to?

I have used TS/Ventrilo for a decade and I don't think it is cheating. I also assume everyone else is using it ( this is 2013 afterall not 1996) I do not know what to say to the people who think it is cheating. I can only assume they either have no friends or have completely missed the concept that video games are ment to be fun. Playing DayZ the way people who think TS is cheating ( basically alone) is not something I would consider fun. I had my fun playing games alone in the 80's.

Anyway, that is my opinion.

Edited April 7, 2013 by BTT`

[Rage VG 4033]

It may be 'fine', but it still isn't as good as Teamspeak 3. Even more so when the voice codec is at 10 on TS3

On the contrary, the first time I went into Balota Buddies, the Teamspeak derped once ever 10 minutes or so, meaning we literally could not understand anyone. On Skype, if someone lags, then only they are hard to hear, unless its the host, which sure as hell beats being unable to hear anyone at any random time.

Where is it? There is a 'push to mute' which is utterly useless, but I've never been able to find a 'push to talk'.

Directly below "Push to mute" is "Toggle mute", so if you mute your mic, you press the button to unmute, and it'll mute again once you let go.

If you've ever played with more than about 8 players in one chat, it starts to get hectic, and everyone is trying to get a word in. Some people split groups up if they are in different areas. Some people, like my group, or Balota Buddies say, have a heap of small groups of people talking to each other because they are playing different games, or they are different groups. It allows everyone to be in touch without everyone having to start up a skype call every time they want a quick word with another.

Teamspeak is for teams, not a group of 2 or 3 players, which is obviously what you're referring to.

I don't see a squad being more than 5 players, and like I said, it was fine. There's no reason anyone should have to say something to another squad member that the others can't hear anyway, unless they are planning to betray them. Why would I want to sit in a channel and have strangers join and listen in, anyway? There's no sense of privacy in TeamSpeak, and due to that we had bandits joining, just to hear where we were to come and kill us. I'm sure as hell not going to pay for me and 4 other friends to chat in private when I can do it for free on skype.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Rage VG

[aussiestig 681]

On the contrary, the first time I went into Balota Buddies, the Teamspeak derped once ever 10 minutes or so, meaning we literally could not understand anyone. On Skype, if someone lags, then only they are hard to hear, unless its the host, which sure as hell beats being unable to hear anyone at any random time.

Directly below "Push to mute" is "Toggle mute", so if you mute your mic, you press the button to unmute, and it'll mute again once you let go.

I don't see a squad being more than 5 players, and like I said, it was fine. There's no reason anyone should have to say something to another squad member that the others can't hear anyway, unless they are planning to betray them. Why would I want to sit in a channel and have strangers join and listen in, anyway? There's no sense of privacy in TeamSpeak, and due to that we had bandits joining, just to hear where we were to come and kill us. I'm sure as hell not going to pay for me and 4 other friends to chat in private when I can do it for free on skype.

99% of the time, TS servers are up, and when they are up, they are perfect, and don't start to lag when you have more than 4 people in the call like skype.

Are you serious? There's no sense of privacy? How about the fact that anyone can sneak into your skype call and you'll have no idea about it at all, as long as someone invited them. When someone joins your channel some man with a sexy voice yells "USER JOINED YOUR CHANNEL". You cannot miss it.

Not to mention the fact that you can just sit in a teamspeak any time you want without having to start a call. So if your friends want to talk, all they have to do is join your channel. In skype, someone has to call someone though, and that other person often isn't there, or often doesn't want to talk to you.

Teamspeak is a vital program for any team, or group. Skype is useless for groups. The fact that no group ever uses skype over teamspeak shows that*

*when i say group, i don't mean a small squad.

Edited April 7, 2013 by AussieStig

[Rage VG 4033]

99% of the time, TS servers are up, and when they are up, they are perfect, and don't start to lag when you have more than 4 people in the call like skype.

Well every time I have been in one, it has done it at least once. I've had many multiple hour-long skype calls with no problems at all.

Are you serious? There's no sense of privacy? How about the fact that anyone can sneak into your skype call and you'll have no idea about it at all, as long as someone invited them. When someone joins your channel some man with a sexy voice yells "USER JOINED YOUR CHANNEL". You cannot miss it.

Actually, only the host can allow someone to join a call, or allow someone the privilege of adding people to calls, otherwise they can only join the group, and send and receive text messages. Plus, the skype call will focus the window when someone is added to the group call.

And someone saying "USER JOINED YOUR CHANNEL" is no good, because you can't do anything about them being in there, nor can you prove why they are there to convince someone who can do something, to do something. In skype, you're free to give them the boot.

Not to mention the fact that you can just sit in a teamspeak any time you want without having to start a call. So if your friends want to talk, all they have to do is join your channel. In skype, someone has to call someone though, and that other person often isn't there, or often doesn't want to talk to you.

So you're saying that it's skype's problem if the person isn't there or doesn't want to talk? That happens in TeamSpeak too. So the only plus here is that I won't have to press one button before I talk to someone, if I even want to talk to them which I now have no say in since I have no "decline" button either, of if I'm even there to answer. Does that justify paying for a server?

Teamspeak is a vital program for any team, or group. Skype is useless for groups. The fact that no group ever uses skype over teamspeak shows that*

*when i say group, i don't mean a small squad.

If you're not talking about a small squad, then I'm not sure why you're quoting me, as I said in my first post that it's ideal for squads...

All in all, I don't feel it's worth paying for a server, just for the convenience of not having to click accept to talk to someone.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Rage VG

[aussiestig 681]

Well every time I have been in one, it has done it at least once. I've had many multiple hour-long skype calls with no problems at all.

Actually, only the host can allow someone to join a call, or allow someone the privilege of adding people to calls, otherwise they can only join the group, and send and receive text messages. Plus, the skype call will focus the window when someone is added to the group call.

And someone saying "USER JOINED YOUR CHANNEL" is no good, because you can't do anything about them being in there, nor can you prove why they are there to convince someone who can do something, to do something. In skype, you're free to give them the boot.

So you're saying that it's skype's problem if the person isn't there or doesn't want to talk? That happens in TeamSpeak too. So the only plus here is that I won't have to press one button before I talk to someone, if I even want to talk to them which I now have no say in since I have no "decline" button either, of if I'm even there to answer. Does that justify paying for a server?

If you're not talking about a small squad, then I'm not sure why you're quoting me, as I said in my first post that it's ideal for squads...

All in all, I don't feel it's worth paying for a server, just for the convenience of not having to click accept to talk to someone.

Either you've only used Teamspeak for 10 minutes, or you're just extremely insistent on using skype. I used be like you, where it was Skype or nothing, but I opened my eyes and realised that Teamspeak is some much more practical and useful for gaming.

[Rage VG 4033]

Either you've only used Teamspeak for 10 minutes, or you're just extremely insistent on using skype. I used be like you, where it was Skype or nothing, but I opened my eyes and realised that Teamspeak is some much more practical and useful for gaming.

I used teamspeak for at least 4 hours for the first time on Balota Buddies, I went on it quite a few times after that, for maybe an hour at a time. I still use it for when I'm playing League with VG, since one of our players can't use Skype, so we just use TS. I'm not sure why you spent the time trying to convince me I'm wrong if you were just going to dismiss me like that in the end anyway.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Rage VG

[aussiestig 681]

I used teamspeak for at least 4 hours for the first time on Balota Buddies, I went on it quite a few times after that, for maybe an hour at a time. I still use it for when I'm playing League with VG, since one of our players can't use Skype, so we just use TS. I'm not sure why you spent the time trying to convince me I'm wrong if you were just going to dismiss me like that in the end anyway.

I don't even know why I bothered with you actually. You won't listen anyway. I look forward to the day where you start hosting a group that requires a 200 player skype call :), after all, it is such a useful program, surely it will work?

[Rage VG 4033]

I don't even know why I bothered with you actually. You won't listen anyway. I look forward to the day where you start hosting a group that requires a 200 player skype call :), after all, it is such a useful program, surely it will work?

What are you talking about? I replied to every one of your points, with a valid response. Not agreeing with you doesn't equal not listening, and you don't have to be an ass about it.

And I don't think I'll be hosting a 200-player teamspeak either, will I? Same results, except it costs money. I think I'll pass.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Rage VG

[Jamz 253]

For me, although I don't consider using TS to be cheating, I wouldn't use it myself. I see it as an advantage much like reducing detail levels in game, or using 3rd person which anyone can use (I personally use 3rd person but detail on full). Ideally I think it's fine for people to use but I'd prefer it if whatever was said over TS was also audible on proximity. Having said that, the above mentioned things are only an advantage in game during actual pvp combat really and I think as there is more to lose upon death in DayZ then I can understand why it's a sticking point.

[Inception. 9443]

I play with the details on the lower settings because my laptop isn't that powerful, lol.

[smore98 225]

Well, let's think about this, upon a measly scenario that could explain it all.

You are apart of a group of people who, under all circumstances, have technically prepared for this to happen, and derived a source of communication with those who have grouped together to fight the apocalypse WHEN it came.

Now lets think practically again.

If you wanted to go paly(intentional) some DayZ with a couple of your mates, I think it might prove frustrating and rather hopeless to first find each other with NO communication whatsover using a third-party communication program (e.g Teamspeak, Skype).

Contrary to your friend's belief, it actually proves to be a not only valuable asset, but a legit one at that. Not only can you support it with practical causes and reasons, you can also develop certain scenarios that explain this asset within the game world if you so please.

[iegle 117]

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. ~Mark Twain

[liquidmind 320]

I have used TS/Ventrilo for a decade and I don't think it is cheating. I also assume everyone else is using it ( this is 2013 afterall not 1996) I do not know what to say to the people who think it is cheating.

You have to make a difference between "using TS in general" and "using TS for DayZ".

Most games do not contain any ingame-voice-chat. Using voice-chat there, is not affecting anything in the game.

In dayZ what you can hear is very important. It gives you information about your world. Information is everything in DayZ.

I am not a fan of labels. So I don't like to call it cheating. But putting labels aside. It is fair to say that a group communicating over TS3 alone, not communicating over the ingame-channels has an advantage over a group using only ingame-chat. Not only is their own communication hidden from everyone else, they still can hear and see the communication of others.

So letting aside all labels and boxes: Would you have a problem, if you ran around with a group of survivors chatting only in direct-chat; if a group of bandits found you listening to that and killed you while only talking on TS themselves?

if you can honestly say, that you don't mind other people using this advantage against you, you can honestly say, that you support TS and Skype for DayZ. As soon as you dislike them having an advantage over you, you have to think about wether using TS3 as a group is morally correct or not.

[Element47 2480]

discussing morality and ethics of player actions within a game context usually equals pandoras box.

it is beyond doubt, that being able to coordinate a team through a private comm channel is an advantage. but is it an unfair advantage? it is a venue open to everyone. some may deprive themselves of this option voluntarily for the sake of immersion. thats ok. but does it mean that its the only way the game is meant to be played? i sincerely doubt it.

i am a fan of player-concieved challenge modes - i have played diablo iron man, i have attempted speed runs, naked runs ,melee only runs, stealth only runs or hardcore runs in several games - those are all fair and good.

but never ever attempt to tell others, that your challenge is the measure, and those who do not abide by your rules dont "play it right".

there is one single case, where external voice comm actually circumvents a DayZ mechanic - the (in)ability to communicate when unconscious. this is however of only limited use, and only in a competitive pvp setting - as much as the unconcious victim can relay his situation to his teammates, can his attacker coordinate with an overwatch - there is no unfair imbalance.

Most games do not contain any ingame-voice-chat. Using voice-chat there, is not affecting anything in the game.

Contrary - Think of League of Legends for example, it doesnt provide built-in VoiP, however every proper team uses external VOIP as it provides massive tactical advantage to the ingame textchat. Think of a typical four player RTS, say Age of Empires, where two players collaborate and coordinate through teamspeak against two isolated players.

you can argue that an unconscious player is not meant to communicate, and doing so is unethical. but arent unethical actions a core mechanic of the game? one of the strongest suspension factors of this game is not knowing whether you'll be KoS'ed or helped, whether that guy in front of you is a spotter for a coordinated bandit party or just a fellow trying to survive another round of scavenging.

When i face a bandit, there is already unethical action happening, some jerk is trying to kill me! Is he alone or is he relaying my position to his squad? i have no idea, its pure suspension. But at the same time he has no idea if i am alone, or just calling in support. for me, its part of the game. feel free to play without external voip, but do it happily, enjoying the additional challenge. dont judge others who do not follow your path.

[liquidmind 320]

i am a fan of player-concieved challenge modes - i have played diablo iron man, i have attempted speed runs, naked runs ,melee only runs, stealth only runs or hardcore runs in several games - those are all fair and good.

but never ever attempt to tell others, that your challenge is the measure, and those who do not abide by your rules dont "play it right".

I think you have to make a difference, between telling someone how he should play a single-player-game and having a multiplayer-game-style, that forces other people to play in a very specific way.

You Just cannot compare singleplayer games with multiplayer games.

Zombies Agro on voice. There is no other game I could think of, where NPC-Enemies would react on your voice. Having TS here is like an invisibility-cheat enabled.

Edited April 9, 2013 by liquidmind

[Tek (DayZ) 95]

discussing morality and ethics of player actions within a game context usually equals pandoras box.

it is beyond doubt, that being able to coordinate a team through a private comm channel is an advantage. but is it an unfair advantage? it is a venue open to everyone. some may deprive themselves of this option voluntarily for the sake of immersion. thats ok. but does it mean that its the only way the game is meant to be played? i sincerely doubt it.

i am a fan of player-concieved challenge modes - i have played diablo iron man, i have attempted speed runs, naked runs ,melee only runs, stealth only runs or hardcore runs in several games - those are all fair and good.

but never ever attempt to tell others, that your challenge is the measure, and those who do not abide by your rules dont "play it right".

there is one single case, where external voice comm actually circumvents a DayZ mechanic - the (in)ability to communicate when unconscious. this is however of only limited use, and only in a competitive pvp setting - as much as the unconcious victim can relay his situation to his teammates, can his attacker coordinate with an overwatch - there is no unfair imbalance.

Contrary - Think of League of Legends for example, it doesnt provide built-in VoiP, however every proper team uses external VOIP as it provides massive tactical advantage to the ingame textchat. Think of a typical four player RTS, say Age of Empires, where two players collaborate and coordinate through teamspeak against two isolated players.

you can argue that an unconscious player is not meant to communicate, and doing so is unethical. but arent unethical actions a core mechanic of the game? one of the strongest suspension factors of this game is not knowing whether you'll be KoS'ed or helped, whether that guy in front of you is a spotter for a coordinated bandit party or just a fellow trying to survive another round of scavenging.

When i face a bandit, there is already unethical action happening, some jerk is trying to kill me! Is he alone or is he relaying my position to his squad? i have no idea, its pure suspension. But at the same time he has no idea if i am alone, or just calling in support. for me, its part of the game. feel free to play without external voip, but do it happily, enjoying the additional challenge. dont judge others who do not follow your path.

Well said!

[Tek (DayZ) 95]

I think you have to make a difference, between telling someone how he should play a single-player-game and having a multiplayer-game-style, that forces other people to play in a very specific way.

You Just cannot compare singleplayer games with multiplayer games.

Zombies Agro on voice. There is no other game I could think of, where NPC-Enemies would react on your voice. Having TS here is like an invisibility-cheat enabled.

Again, because you think it's cheating does not make it cheating. It is available to all. It is easy to use. It gives advantages to those who so choose to play the game to the best of their abilities.

When I want to play with friends, I am going to get on TS and talk with my friends who may or may not be playing the game, or the same server. If they are so much the better. But your way of fun does not make my way of fun cheating.

All it does is make you a whiner.

[digitalprime 36]

Applejaxc and I were debating whether it is cheating to use programs such as teamspeak or skype to communicate in game. He said yes because he considers it an unfair advantage and "everyone who uses a 3rd party, non-DayZ supported program for an unfair advantage is a cheater", I on the other hand do not believe that it is an unfair advantage as all players have access to the program and it is an accepted standard to use these methods of communication.

Deluded is deluded

[m.cab 83]

Of course it is an advantage and therefore 'can' be considered as cheating!

Dont you have an advantage when you are able to talk about 1.000meters ingame with your mate while the others have to use direct-com max 80meters?

And PLEASE guys, stop that super old super dumbass kindergarden reasoning about "everybody can go and get this". This is EXACTLY that fucked up attitude hackers and cheaters got! EVERYBODY can go and get the hax no?

Go and get some moral ffs!

[m.cab 83]

One more thing i want to add about this crap:

(...)you can argue that an unconscious player is not meant to communicate, and doing so is unethical. but arent unethical actions a core mechanic of the game?(...)

You gave yourself the answer dude! It is an mechanic 'of the game'. NOT an mechanic used by another program!

I am just telling you guys: Rethink your attitude about this! There is a very thin line between the "i use it because everybody does it" and cheating! ):